Clutch control



W. S. MYERS4 CLUTCH CONTRQL Oct.. 9, 192s. 1y686,76o

Filed July 22, 1927 @for-wey. L

Patented Oct. 9, 1928.

NIT!) STATES 'WALTER S. MYERS, OF DARBY, PENNSYLVANIA.

CLUTCH CONTROL.

Application filed July 22, v1927.

The invention relates to clutch control. The object is to provide aclutch cont-rol for motors especially for motor cars, which shalloperate in certain relationship with the operation of the accelerator.

The invention comprises means whereby, when the accelerator is operated,by depressing the accelerator pedal,the clutch is thrown into operation,and when the' accelerator pedal is released and becomes inactive, theclutch likewise becomes inactive.

The invention comprises a clutch operating motor and a circuit controltherefor whereby the motor operates in either direction depending uponthe movement of the accelerator pedal.

As a result of the means herein described:

One pedal controls the fuel supply and the clutch. Theclutch is alwaysout except when the foot is applied to the accelerator.

This eliminates the usual danger resulting from operating theself-starter when the car is in gear. When the operator slows down thecar to a marked degree, the clutch releases, thereby preventing strainon motor wllich might result from this speed whilein high gear.

When the accelerator is released the clutch releases and the pedal brakemay be operated immediately without danger of damaging the gears orstalling the motor, as often occurs when the brake is applied beforereleasing the clutch. I

Referring to the drawings which illustrate merely by way of examplesuit-able means for effecting the invention: i

Fig. 1 is a view, partly in perspective and partly diagrammatic, showingthe general assembly.

Fig. 2 is part section, part elevation ofthe accelerator and controls,on an enlarged scale.

Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

In Fig. 1, the clutch 7, of usual form, is provided with clutch collar8, clutch saddle 9, clutch lever 10 and clutch rod 1l. This rod 11 isconnected to one end of lever 12 pivotally mounted at 13. The other end'of the lever, which may be bifurcated, is connected tothe trunnions 14on the block 15, threaded on the threaded shaft 16 of electric motor 17.This shaft 16 is suitably journalled at its outer end as at 18 in a partof the frame 19 supporting motor 17. The circuit of the motor isprovided with certain fixed and movable contacts for making and breakingthe Serial No. 207,640.

circuit and for reversing the cirduit to cause the reverse 4movement ofthe motor.

Referring to Fig. 2, the accelerator pedal 20 y tact elements and thebottom of the housing 24. A collar 23 is provided on the rod 23 seatedin a-recess in contact 26. f

As shown by the scheme of wiring in Fig. 1, when elements 25 and 26 arein contact, the

motor is inthe generator circuit in one direction and when elements 26and 27 are in contact the motor is in-the generator circuit in theopposite direction.

In the position shown in Fig. 2, the accelerator and .clutch are bothreleased. 'Upon depressing the accelerator pedal 20, the element 26 isseparated from element 25 and carried, against the tension of spring 28,into contact with element 27. This brings the motor 17 into thegenerator circuit and causes it to rotate the shaft 16 in direction tocause the movement of block 15 towards the motor. This brings the clutch7 into action. When the pedal 20 is released the element 26 separatesfrom 27 and contacts with 25 due to the action of spring 28. Whereuponthe movement of the motor is reversed and the block 15 carried back toinitial position, in which the clutch is released. The pivoted contactmembers 30 and 31, operated by arm 32 on block 15, serve to break thecircuit of the motor at the end of the required movement of block 15 ineach direction.

The` spring 29 in housing 24 permits the further movement of theaccelerator after contact is made between elements 26 and 27.

Suitable electric insulation 33 `is provided between the actuating partsand the elements 25, 26 and 27.

In operation.

The engine is started in the usual way and the accelerator can be usedto prime the engine while the gear shift lever is in neutral` 27 and themotor operated to move block 15 to .the right to throw in the clutch.

When the foot pressure is Withdrawn fromY pedal 20, contact is madebetwen 26 and 25 and the motor moves block 15 in opposite direction torelease the clutch.

The process of building the car into high l gear is merely one ofapplying and removing `or causing synchronous movement of theaccelerator and clutch.

2. ln a clutch control, the combination of an accelerator having aspring controlled toot pedal, and means whereby the depressionV of thesaid foot pedal causes the operative engagement of the clutch.

.3. ln a clutch control, the combination of an accelerator having aspring controlled toot pedal, and means whereby the depression of thesaid foot pedal causes the operative engagement of the clutch and therelease of the foot pedal causes the release of the clutch.

4. In a clutch control, the combination of an accelerator and a clutch,yan electric motor for the actuation of the clutch intov and out ofclutch engagement, contacts in the motor circuit controlled by theaccelerator-actuating means.

5. In a clutch control, the combination of an accelerator and a clutch,an electric motor for the actuation of the clutch into and out of clutchengagement, contacts in the motor circuit controlled by theaccelerator-actuating means, and motor controlled cut-outs for limitingthe movement of the motor in opposite directions.

WALTER S. MYERS.

